Nunavut Health Department Advocates for Measles Vaccination Amid Outbreaks

In an urgent public health announcement dated June 18, 2025, the Nunavut Department of Health has strongly urged residents to receive measles vaccinations due to ongoing outbreaks reported in various southern provinces of Canada. Although no measles cases have been confirmed within Nunavut, Dr. Ekua Agyemang, the acting Chief Public Health Officer, emphasized the importance of vaccination to prevent the potential introduction of the disease into the territory.

Measles is recognized as one of the most contagious diseases, with the ability to spread through respiratory droplets from an infected individual's nose or throat. According to Health Canada, as of 2025, there have been 3,381 confirmed cases of measles and an additional 300 probable cases across Canada, with provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan being significantly affected.

In response to the heightened risk, the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit is offering a walk-in clinic for measles vaccinations every Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents are also encouraged to contact their healthcare providers for scheduled appointments. Dr. Agyemang highlighted that ensuring at least 95% vaccination coverage within communities is crucial to prevent outbreaks, particularly for individuals born after 1970 who have neither been vaccinated nor previously contracted the disease.

The effectiveness of two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is nearly 100% in preventing the infection. Symptoms of measles typically present as fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash that appears three to seven days after the onset of initial symptoms. It is important to note that in darker skin tones, the rash may be less visible, appearing purple or darker than the surrounding skin.

The call for increased vaccination not only protects individual health but also safeguards community well-being by preventing the spread of this highly contagious virus. As the summer months approach, the Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely and urges all eligible residents to take immediate action towards vaccination. This proactive approach aims to ensure that Nunavut remains free from measles outbreaks, especially during a period when the risk is heightened due to outbreaks in neighboring provinces.